Siraya Tech PEBA Air 70A-95A User Manual

1. Introduction

Siraya Tech PEBA Air is an active foaming TPE+PA12 copolymer elastomer that puts you in control of the final weight and softness of your prints—creating industrial-strength parts with a final density as low as 0.55g/cm³, a tunable Shore A hardness between 70A and 95A, and the incredible, consistent energy return of PEBA.

☁️ Print Lighter, Print Softer: Harness the power of active foaming technology. Higher print temperatures create lighter, softer parts with a fantastic textured finish.

🚀 Consistent High-Energy Return: Experience the signature "bouncy" nature of PEBA. This filament delivers an outstanding and predictable 60% Bayshore rebound, a property that remains consistent regardless of the temperature or foaming level, ensuring reliable performance.

🎛️ Dial-In Your Softness: You're in control! Adjust the print temperature to achieve a hardness ranging from a firm ~95A down to a very flexible ~70A, tuning the part's feel for your specific application.

❄️ Superior Durability: Built on a PA12 elastomer backbone, this filament is engineered for excellent durability and fatigue resistance, perfect for parts that undergo repeated stress.

✨ Unique Matte Finish: Say goodbye to plain glossy prints. PEBA Air boasts a distinctive, appealing matte texture straight off the printer.

2. Technical Specifications

Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) / FDM

Material Type: Actively Foaming PA12 Elastomer

Diameter: 1.75mm

Printed Part Density (Foamed): Variable, 0.55 - 0.73 g/cm³

Printed Part Hardness: Variable, 71A - 95A (Shore Hardness)

Bayshore Rebound: 60% (Consistent across all foaming levels)

Vicat Softening Temp: 88.6°C - 104.3°C

3. Before Printing

  • Keep it Dry! PEBA Air is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which severely impacts foaming and print quality, causing bubbles, stringing, and poor surface finish.

  • Upon Opening: Immediately place the spool in a filament dryer or a sealed container with a target humidity below 15%. Print directly from a dry box for best results.

  • Storage: Always store the spool in a sealed, airtight bag with desiccant.

  • Wet Filament? If you suspect moisture exposure, dry the filament thoroughly in a dedicated filament dryer or oven at 70-75°C for 4-6 hours to restore print quality.

4. Print Setting Recommendations

PEBA Air's magic lies in how it reacts to heat. Higher temperatures activate more foaming, resulting in lighter, softer prints. Use these settings as your launchpad and experiment to find the perfect results!

  • Nozzle Temperature: 230°C - 270°C

    • This is your main control for the foaming effect! See the table below for how temperature affects hardness and density.

  • Bed Temperature: 60°C - 100°C

    • A hot bed is crucial for good adhesion and preventing warpage, especially on larger models.

  • Build Surface: Glass, PEI Film, or PC Film

    • Recommendation: Ensure your build surface is clean. For PEI, a release agent like a glue stick is advised to prevent parts from bonding too strongly.

  • Cooling Fan: 50 - 100%

    • Good cooling helps to quickly set the foamed structure as it prints.

  • Print Speed: 30 - 120 mm/s

    • Start slower (30-60mm/s) and increase speed once you are confident in your settings.

  • Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm or 0.6mm

    • A 0.6mm nozzle is recommended to achieve the best foaming effect and most consistent results.

  • Flow Rate / Extrusion Multiplier: Crucial!

    • Because the filament expands as it heats, you must reduce your flow rate significantly. Over-extrusion will lead to poor results.

    • Calibration is essential: Use the starting flow rates in the table below and adjust as needed for your specific printer.

  • Retraction: 0mm or OFF

    • Due to the foaming nature, standard retraction is ineffective and can cause clogs. Turn retraction off in your slicer. Print one model at a time to minimize travel moves and oozing.

Temperature vs. Hardness & Flow (Approximate Guide):

Print Temp (°C)

Approx. Shore Hardness

Resulting Properties

Starting Flow Rate (%)

230°C

95A

No Foaming, 95A stiffness

95%

240°C

~81A

Denser, Stiffer, Less Foaming, Less Texture

~80% - 84%

250°C

~76A

Balanced Foaming, Noticeably Lighter/Softer

~68% - 72%

260°C

~74A

Optimal Balance, Good Foaming & Softness

~58% - 62%

270°C

~70A

Max Foaming, Lightest, Softest, Max Texture

~53% - 57%

 

Note: Data derived from tests using a 0.6mm nozzle. Exact values depend on your specific printer and settings. Use this table as a starting point for calibration. Exact hardness and optimal flow rate depend on your specific printer, nozzle size, and other settings. Use this table as a starting point for calibration. It is important to dial in flow rate as it is related to the temperature and how much the tpu air expanded as well as the flow rate of the extruder.

5. Safety Precautions

  • Always print in a well-ventilated area.

  • Avoid touching the hot nozzle or heated bed during operation.

  • Consult your 3D printer's safety manual.

6. Share Your Creations!

We're excited to see the innovative ways you use Siraya Tech PEBA Air! Share your prints and tag us on social media! If you have questions or need support, reach out to us at support@siraya.tech or visit siraya.tech.

Happy Printing!